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The Trump administration has overhauled the State Department’s annual human rights report, removing sections on corruption, LGBTQ+ persecution, and easing criticism of allies like Israel and El Salvador while increasing scrutiny of Brazil, South Africa, and some European democracies, BBC reported.

Former State Department official Uzra Zeya accused the move of undermining decades of rights advocacy. The report omits International Criminal Court warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders and praises El Salvador despite Amnesty’s abuse allegations. Its release followed delays and internal dissent after guidance to shorten content and drop certain rights issues.

A 31.82-megawatt photovoltaic power station built by China’s Pinggao Group International Engineering Co., Ltd. has been completed in Stefan cel Mare, Calarasi County, southeastern Romania, Xinhua reported.

Constructed over 10 months, the plant will operate for 25 years, producing 42m kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and reducing carbon emissions by 20,000 tonnes.

At the inauguration, Chinese and Romanian officials hailed the project as a milestone in green energy cooperation, highlighting its role in climate action and local development. Local leaders welcomed further Chinese investment, calling the plant a source of pride and a boost to Romania’s renewable energy capacity, according to Xinhua.

Iraq and Syria have agreed to establish a joint committee to evaluate and rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, which has been out of service since it was damaged during the 2003 U.S. invasion, Xinhua reported.

The decision came during talks in Baghdad between Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani and Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir. Discussions focused on restoring the pipeline, which has faced sabotage and aging issues. The ministers agreed to involve an international consultant to assess its operational viability, pumping systems, and repair needs, stressing its importance for boosting energy cooperation and serving both nations’ interests.

Yemen’s Houthi group said it launched four drone strikes on the Israeli cities of Haifa, Negev, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva on Tuesday, claiming the attacks hit their targets.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the strikes were in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and vowed to continue until the blockade is lifted, Xinhua reported.

Israel has not commented on the claims. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel with missiles and drones since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with most intercepted or missing. Israel has responded with strikes on Yemeni ports and infrastructure.